Bulls Trades: A Good Or Bad Thing?

Bulls fans were excited when they heard the rumors of a trade swelling up during the All-Star break. But, many were disappointed once they saw who was traded away, and who they got back. Yet, there were still those who looked at the glass half full, instead of half empty. I was one of the ones looking at it half full. I was hoping we would get some productivity out of the new additions, and then land a top free agent over the summer. Well, so far my hope has become reality.

The main concern going around when Tyrus Thomas and John Salmons were traded was that the Bulls organization was giving up on this year to land a top free agent prospect during the off-season. Some of the possibilities for them will be: Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Carlos Boozer. I do not believe they have a chance with James, but getting Wade, Bosh, or Boozer is a definite possibility. A lot of people have crossed off Wade, but I think if he goes out and looks for a new team Chicago would be one of his top destinations, because that is where he grew up as a kid.

The trades that the Bulls acquired during the All-Star break will open up enough salary to land one of these prospects. The thing is, the Bulls trades have actually contributed to the Bulls success since the All-Star break. They have had a strong 6-3 record since the trades have occurred. Although it looked like giving away Tyrus Thomas and John Salmons would hurt them, it has not affected them as of yet.

During the 8 games that Hakim Warrick has played, he has average 10.2 points and 5.3 rebounds a game. Flip Murray has also contributed, adding just over 10 points as well. The combination of these players, and existing ones such as, Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, and Joakim Noah, make this team dangerous if they get hot.

So, what was the Bulls main reason behind trading away Thomas and Salmons? I still believe it was just to get enough salary room for top player. But, so far the Bulls have lucked out, and these new players have had a key role in their success so far. The only question I have is, if these players continue to contribute, will they keep them, or just throw them out the window?